Dark Horse Comics announced that it has partnered with Stan Sakai’s Dogu Publishing to create a Dogu imprint, which will publish new stories in the Usagi Yojimbo universe.
Dark Horse had previously been a longtime publisher of Sakai’s work and of Usagi Yojimbo comics, putting out new editions of The Usagi Yojimbo Saga beginning in 2013 (see “‘Usagi Yojimbo Saga‘”). IDW Publishing had taken over publishing of Sakai’s work in March of 2019 (see “Stan Sakai’s ‘Usagi Yojimbo’ Hops Over to IDW“). Getting Usagi back under the Dark Horse umbrella is a major win for the publisher, especially after the success of Netflix’s Samurai Rabbit (see “Netflix Drops Two Comic-Based Series“); the second season dropped September 1.
This new imprint will be led by Creative Chairman Stan Sakai, CEO Jeremiah Blank, COO Julie Sakai, and Daniel Fujii, President/Publisher for Dogu Publishing.
Sakai commented on teaming up with Dark Horse for new books via this imprint: “As the sole creator and owner of Usagi Yojimbo, this is a significant milestone,” he said. “I’ve known Mike Richardson for more than 30 years and he is one of the pioneers and champions of creator-owned IP. As the industry continues to change, I feel he brings a unique progressive perspective.”
Dogu will feature new Usagi comics. One of the objectives of the new imprint will also be to expand the Usagi Yojimbo universe by working with other artists and to be a platform for showcasing new creators and artists.
Source: ICv2
